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Bush may see some image improvement

What next for the Bush Administration? Many observers say the appointment of Samuel Alito as the President?s next nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court could bring about some improvement in the polls for Bush, though the beginning of hearings for Alito could bring about further criticism in the press. A hard fight seems unlikely, for liberal judges and colleagues of Alito and others who know him have spoken out in favor of his nomination, which if confirmed by the Senate will result in Alito taking over the seat of Justice Sandra Day O?Connor. Last week saw the resignation and indictment of Vice Presidential aide Lewis ?Scooter? Libby resulting from an ongoing scandal investigation, and President Bush?s seemingly indispensable aide Karl Rove barely escaped indictment for the moment as well in that same scandal. The war in Iraq continues, and Americans saw the 2,000th death of a U.S. soldier due to hostile actions in the country, Americans are reluctant to accept too many casualties, and because of that and questions surrounding the reasons for going to war has resulted in a majority of Americans now standing opposed to the Iraq war. The Republican party lost a major voice in the House of Representatives to scandal, and of course the withdrawal of Harriet Miers from consideration for the Supreme Court represented a major setback for the Republican in the White House. If Samuel Alito is confirmed to the Supreme Court of the United States with little opposition, or even with opposition, little controversy and vitriolic barb trading between those members of Congress on the opposite sides? of the aisle, this would be a significant political victory for President George W. Bush and could, though there are no guarantees, improve his image and that, combined with any improvements made in Iraq, could be touted as achievements as the Republicans and Democrats prepare for mid-term elections set for November of 2006.